Environmental Microbiologist

DSO National Laboratories (DSO) is Singapore’s largest defence research and development (R&D) organisation, with the critical mission to develop technological solutions to sharpen the cutting edge of Singapore's national security. At DSO, you will develop more than just a career. This is where you will make a real impact and shape the future of defence across the spectrum of air, land, sea, space and cyberspace.

The Human Systems (HS) Division strengthens Singapore’s defence by developing capabilities in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defence, human factor engineering, and behavioural science. We protect against chemical and biological warfare and enhance the safety and performance of the Singapore Armed Forces.

People are DSO’s greatest asset. You will get to realise your career aspirations and develop your own niche either as a deep technical expert or a leader in the team. With frequent career dialogues and a robust training and development framework, we will provide you with the necessary development tools for you to reach your potential. You will also be recognised and rewarded through competitive remuneration packages and scholarship opportunities.

Environmental Microbiologist

We are seeking an innovative and motivated Environmental Microbiologist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a team player and have a strong foundation in virology with a demonstrated passion for environmental detection and mitigation of pathogens. This role requires working in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory, applying microbiological knowledge to environmental contexts, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams to implement impactful solutions. It also involves managing the laboratory quality management system and contributing to efficient operations.

In This Role, You Will

• Plan and conduct innovative research to develop methods in detection, characterisation and mitigation of pathogens in various environmental settings, leveraging the latest scientific advancements
• Design and perform laboratory and field-based experiments
• Work in high containment facilities performing R&D and operational testing for pathogens
• Isolate and handle Risk Group 3 viruses and bacteria in compliance with biosafety and regulatory policies
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including microbiologists, engineers and research institutions to address environmental detection challenges
• Maintain a high standard of laboratory operations though active participation in laboratory's quality management system
• Stay current on advancements in environmental virology, integrating new insights into the team's workflow
• Prepare and communicate comprehensive technical findings to stakeholders through presentations, reports and peer-reviewed publications

Job Requirements

• Masters/ PhD in Applied Science/ Biotechnology and Molecular Biology/ Computational biology/ Life Sciences/ Microbiology/ Virology
• Microbiology skills
• Advanced laboratory techniques for virus detection and characterisation.
• Experience in virology and environmental detection, with a proven ability to innovate
• Strong laboratory and analytical skills with problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration
• Willingness and ability to work in a BSL-3 laboratory and in outfield settings
• Strong commitment to laboratory safety, quality management, and data integrity
• Motivated with keen interest in research, keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in environmental microbial detection
• Excellent communication skills for preparing technical reports and presenting research outcomes